Composer Named

The new Seattle Symphony Orchestra composer in residence will be David Stock, who takes up his position for the 1996-97 season. Stock will be working during this season on his Second Symphony, which is scheduled to premiere during the orchestra's 1997-98 season; another Stock work, "In the High Country," will be performed May 12 and 13, 1997, by the Seattle Symphony. Audiences here heard his "Power Play" in October 1994, when it was performed by the orchestra and music director Gerard Schwarz as part of the Masterpiece series.

In other symphony news: Adam Stern, currently the orchestra's assistant conductor (as well as music director of the Northwest Chamber Orchestra), has been promoted to symphony associate conductor this season. Stern, a noted pianist and composer, also has produced most of the symphony's recordings since 1988. In 1990, he won a Grammy award for "Classical Producer of the Year."

Cellist Susan Williams will take over as acting section principal for this year during the one-year sabbatical of Raymond Davis. Robert Bonnevie, the orchestra's principal horn, has returned from sabbatical; the section also will have John Cerminaro (Bonnevie's replacement last year) here this season as guest principal horn.

And the symphony has wheels this year: The Seattle Rotary Service Foundation has committed a $50,000 grant to finance an educational outreach program called "Symphony on Wheels." Debuting this season, the project will reach 3,000 students in third through fifth grades in participation with 10 Seattle School District elementary schools, via a van equipped with instruments, charts and audio equipment. For more information on this program, contact education director Mary Ann Hagan (443-4740).